Multi-Band Switching in WLAN for Throughput and Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN technologies, such as IEEE 802.11n, are limited in achieving a data processing rate of 1 Gbps due to their single STA architecture, and there is a need for a band switching procedure to enable communication between multi-band VHT STAs operating in different frequency bands to achieve high throughput and reliable coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method for switching between frequency bands, specifically using a multi-band switch request and response message to transition between 60GHz and 6GHz or lower bands, allowing STAs to maintain association and authentication with an AP, and employing a new frame format for band switching in VHT WLAN systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single STA architecture conforming to IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but throughput is limited and cannot achieve 1 Gbps or higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function by introducing multiple virtual STAs (VSTAs) within a single physical STA. Each VSTA operates as an independent logical entity with its own MAC address and association state, allowing parallel communication streams that collectively achieve multi-gigabit throughput while the physical hardware remains a single STA conforming to IEEE 802.11n
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single physical STA multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously maintain multiple association states with different APs through multiple VSTAs. This allows the STA to function as multiple independent stations, each capable of separate communication streams, thereby achieving aggregate throughput exceeding 1 Gbps without requiring multiple physical NICs
2Productivity
If 60GHz band is used for communication, then data processing rate is increased to support 1 Gbps or higher, but communication distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic band switching between 60GHz and lower frequency bands based on communication conditions. When STAs are close together, the system dynamically switches to 60GHz for high-speed data transfer; when distance increases or obstacles are detected, it dynamically switches to lower bands for extended coverage, optimizing both throughput and communication distance adaptively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter dynamically based on communication requirements. By switching between 60GHz (for high throughput when close) and lower frequency bands (for extended distance), the system adjusts this critical parameter to resolve the contradiction between data processing rate and communication distance
3Length of moving object
If 2.4GHz frequency band is used, then communication distance is extended and backward compatibility is maintained, but interference increases and data rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from fixed 2.4GHz to dynamically selectable bands including 60GHz. This allows the system to switch to higher frequency bands when high data rates are required and STAs are in proximity, while still maintaining the option to use 2.4GHz for extended distance communication, thereby resolving the rate-distance tradeoff
4Productivity
If 5GHz frequency band is used, then interference is reduced and data rate is increased to 54 Mbps, but communication distance is reduced compared to 2.4GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency band selection that allows switching between 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and 60GHz bands based on real-time communication conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize for either data rate or distance depending on requirements, rather than being fixed at 5GHz with its inherent rate-distance tradeoff
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus of switching a band in a wireless local access network (WLAN) is provided. The method includes transmitting a multi-band switch request message to request switching from a first frequency band to a second frequency band, and receiving a multi-band switch response message in response to the multi-band switch request message. The multi-band switch request message includes a multi-band switch schedule to operate in the second frequency band. Wider coverage can be supported by using multi-band.